| Meditation is a holistic discipline that has been | | | | 4. Music |
| practiced throughout antiquity and supports the | | | | Some people like to meditate in silence and that is |
| process of moving the mind beyond reflexive | | | | a beautiful way to practice meditation, but it is |
| thinking into a deep state of awareness. There | | | | often very helpful to have some very light music |
| are many disciplines of meditation that have | | | | or sounds of nature playing. Using ear plugs is a |
| different goals. The wide range of meditative | | | | great way to feel especially connected to the |
| practices can seem overwhelming to someone | | | | music and integrate it into your meditative |
| who is considering meditation for the first time. | | | | experience more seamlessly. By allowing the |
| Relax, learning to meditate is easy and you can't | | | | music to lift you and carry you through the |
| do it wrong. | | | | meditation, a meditation session can be quite |
| Why meditate? | | | | surprising. Music inspires our inner self to express |
| Some meditate for a greater spiritual awareness, | | | | itself. |
| others meditate to relax the mind, reduce stress, | | | | 5. How to practice |
| connect with inner wisdom, create more | | | | Meditation is an easy and effective way to |
| mindfullness and a deep sense of inner peace. You | | | | soothe and calm the body, the mind and the spirit. |
| don't have to have a particular reason to | | | | It clears the path for our mind to naturally seek |
| meditate, just an interest in seeking its possibilities. | | | | its deepest wisdom. Once you have found a |
| What you need to get started | | | | location, set the mood with music, candles and |
| You don't need a lot of expensive equipment to | | | | light, take your place and close your eyes. Notice |
| meditate. When it comes to meditation, its just | | | | how everything seems to settle down once the |
| you and your "self" that you need. There are, | | | | eyes are closed. |
| however, a few things that might support you as | | | | Begin by taking a few deep breaths, noticing the |
| you venture into the peaceful world of your own | | | | rise and fall of your chest, notice the calming |
| heart and mind. | | | | effect this has on the mind. Begin at the top of |
| 1. Find your ideal place | | | | your head and slowly bring your attention to each |
| It doesn't take a lot of room to meditate. Your | | | | area, releasing tension as you scan your body. |
| meditation practice can be done anywhere you | | | | Allow yourself to feel the weight of your body |
| are, but it is good to set aside a special place, | | | | resting effortlessly where ever you are. Feel |
| especially at first. The more you return to this | | | | yourself sinking into the surface as you relax |
| place to meditate the easier meditation will | | | | deeply. |
| become because your mind becomes conditioned | | | | Random thoughts may come. Don't resist them, |
| to relax in this space. It can be your favorite | | | | allow them to come and float past you as clouds |
| chair, a peaceful corner of a room or a special | | | | in the sky. You can notice them without attaching |
| spot outside. | | | | to them as they drift by. Bring your attention |
| 2. Get comfortable | | | | back to your breath. Stay in this state of |
| Being comfortable is at the top of the list for | | | | relaxation as long as you would like, then begin to |
| meditation success. It is difficult to get out of | | | | come out slowly. Wiggle fingers and toes at first |
| your own mind when your back hurts or your | | | | then slowly bring your attention back to the |
| legs get cramped. Think soft and supportive. | | | | present moment. |
| Blankets can be rolled up and pillows positioned to | | | | As you begin your meditation practice, remember |
| provide you comfortable support. You can | | | | that it is not hard, it is easy and that you cannot |
| meditate lying down, sitting or standing. You can't | | | | do it wrong. Music or guided visualization are a |
| do it wrong, so find a comfortable posture for | | | | beautiful way to support you as your begin the |
| you. | | | | journey, so use them. There are many CDs |
| 3. Set the mood | | | | available as well as free online downloads that are |
| Creating a small ritual of lighting a candle or | | | | extremely well done and helpful. |
| incense at the beginning of your meditation | | | | Meditation does not have to be a mystery. With a |
| session creates a unique mood from all other | | | | few simple steps, you can create your very own |
| activities in which you engage. Again, this sends a | | | | meditation practice and a personal place to |
| message to your mind that it is time to calm | | | | recharge your batteries. Nothing clears the mind |
| itself. Low light is a relaxing setting, so consider | | | | more quickly that to empty it and embrace your |
| how much light you would like to feel peaceful. | | | | inner stillness. |